This year Germany's Kaweco (Koch, Weber & Co.) brand celebrates its 130th year of producing fine writing implements. Since their beginnings in Heidelberg in 1883, the brand has survived two World Wars, bankruptcy, a factory fire and a 14 year closure.
1912 saw the origins of Kaweco's Sport fountain pen, first advertised as a "safety pen for ladies, officers and sports guys." The following year, the short pocket pen was officially released as the Sport Series with the claim of having the "safest closure in every situation."
In 1929, Kaweco was purchased by Aurumia, a fountain pen manufacturer with factories based in Baden. Five years later, Aurumia developed the Sport and it took on an appearance very similar to the one we sell today. Due to their convenient size, they became a bestseller, although they faded in popularity in the mid-70s.
Kaweco closed in 1980, and thus the Sport pen disappeared from the marketplace. In 1994 Kaweco was revived by H & M Gutberlet who specialize in both writing instruments and cosmetic products, particularly eye and lip liners.
Gutberlet released a slightly updated take on the Kaweco Sport—the same style we sell today, nearly 20 years later. We carry them in both CNC machined solid aluminum and injection molded plastic bodies.
Here's our handy pocket guide to the Kaweco Sport:
2.) The pen's bottom half unscrews for cartridge installation. Modern cartridges are easy to install and replace. Firmly press the smaller end of the cartridge in until you feel a pop. To remove, pull the cartridge straight out. Don't squeeze the cartridge. There should be little to no mess, but keep a damp cloth or paper towel on hand.
3.) The Sport features a replaceable gold-plated steel- and iridium-tipped nib, so if the medium is just too medium, finer lines are just a quick switch away. When changing ink color, remove the cartridge and flush the nib with water until it runs clear. If your nib gets scratchy or clogged, soak the nib in water then rub with a tiny amount of dish soap and flush with water again.
4.) When the cap is screwed on, the Kaweco Sport packs down to a pocket-friendly 10.5cm (4 inches). Once opened it is intended to be used with the cap posted on the back for the best balance.
5.) Use with a snappy gold or silver octagonal clip and keep your pen right where you want it.
6.) Kaweco's first Sport pens were released in 1913, with a fairly similar style to the current design debuting in 1934. Fun fact: the KA WE CO trisected circle logo featured on the cap and nib was introduced in 1930.
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